Dan Wesson Model 14 .357 Magnum…fixed sight…worth putting a 6″ barrel on?

[Southern Shooter]

I have a Dan Wesson Model 14, .357 Magnum, fixed-sight gun with a 2 1/2″ barrel. I have a chance to pick up a 6″ vented, heavy barrel that was on a Model 15 with the adjustable sights. I know that I will have to exchange the front sight on the Model 15 barrel with one from a Model 14 barrel. Ok…now with all that said here is my question…..

Am I wasting time and money putting a 6″ vented heavy barrel on a fixed-sight revolver? I want to use it for medium sized game out to 25 yards. Would I just be as well off to leave it with the short barrel and use it for close up shooting?

Thanks

 

[madcratebuilder]

Sell you 14 and buy a 15. I see 15 frames and cylinders on gunbroker, but they go almost as high as a complete revolver.
You are very limited with the fixed sight unless your good at Kentucky windage. You can make a fixed sight work, but it's for one load and one range.

 

[ArmedBear]

I'm not too excited about a vented barrel on a hunting revolver, due to issues with hardcast bullets.

 

[Southern Shooter]

Hard cast bullets and vented barrels?

What is the concern there? Please tell me before I mess up my Dan Wesson model 15. I was going to use some Federal 180 grain Cast Core in it.

Thanks

 

[LoneCoon]

I would also sell the 14 and get a 15. I have a 14 and while I love it, I really wish I had adjustable sights.

On the other hand, you can put an 6" barrel on it and get it tapped for a scope if you're going to use it for hunting.

 

[ArmedBear]

Leading up the holes.

I don't think it does any actual damage to the gun. You can try it and see. Just don't buy a 500 bullet bulk pack before you do.

 

[Southern Shooter]

ported versus vented....

Oh, you mean ported barrels there is a problem with. This is a vent-ribbed barrel...like on a shotgun. There should be no problem there, huh?

 

[ArmedBear]

Oh - vent-ribbed. No problem at all.

I believe that some of the old guns (e.g. old Colt magnums) were sold with "vents", now called ports, but I could be wrong. That's what I thought you meant.

 

[Southern Shooter]

Thank goodness...ha ha

I was worried for a moment. Don't want to damage this Model 15. I can shoot standing, non-supported and put 158 grain .357 rounds in less than a 3" group at 25 yards all day long with it. Of course, that is single action. But, still, it is a fun gun to shoot.

 

[Southern Shooter]

Model 14 picture

Just wanted to show the Dan Wesson model 14 that I am considering putting the 6" barrel on. Not a delicate looking revolver by any means.

 

[jbbaldwin]

I would think at 25 yards you would be fine with the model 14. However I would probably opt for a model 15 since these guns are normally very accurate and you could reach out further than 25 yards.

www.danwessonforum.com

 

[LoneCoon]

Southern shooter:

If you don't want the 2.5" barrel, lemme know.